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A catastrophic fire broke out at the Fujairah Petroleum Industries Corporation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), prompting mass evacuations and sparking concerns about potential health hazards. The blaze, which has been ongoing since early hours of the morning, has engulfed several units of the facility, sending thick plumes of smoke into the air.
According to eyewitnesses and local authorities, the initial fire was reported at approximately 3:00 am local time and quickly spread to adjacent areas, engulfing fuel tanks and storage facilities. The UAE’s Ministry of Interior reported that emergency services, including firefighters and paramedics, responded promptly to contain the situation.
“We have a dedicated team working to extinguish the fire and minimize risks to nearby residents and infrastructure,” said Mohammed Al Neaimi, the Director-General of the Fujairah Police. “We urge everyone to stay away from the area until further notice.”
The Fujairah Petroleum Industries Corporation is a major oil processing and storage facility, operated by the Emirati national oil company, ENOC. The facility processes crude oil from several major oil producers, including Iran, the country’s main rival in the region, and is strategically located near key trade corridors.
Concerns over the source of the fire have been raised, with some speculating that it may be linked to recent tensions between Iran and the UAE. However, there is no official confirmation of the cause at this time. “This is a matter of investigation,” emphasized Al Neaimi. “We will provide details as soon as the findings become available.”
Meanwhile, residents and motorists have been urged to avoid the area until the fire is fully extinguished. Local authorities have set up roadblocks and security checkpoints to prevent unauthorized access to the zone.
A nearby residential complex was evacuated as a precautionary measure, with residents relocated to a temporary shelter. “We are working closely with local authorities and emergency services to ensure everyone’s safety,” said a spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
With multiple emergency responders working to contain the blaze, hopes are still high that damage will be minimized. “This is a serious incident, but our primary concern is for people’s safety,” said UAE’s Vice President and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in a statement. “We will investigate this incident and take all necessary measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.”
As investigations continue, officials will aim to determine the cause of the fire, assess damages, and develop contingency plans to mitigate effects on local communities and oil supplies.
The incident follows a series of recent industrial accidents in the UAE, underscoring the importance of prioritizing workplace safety and environmental protection.